Systems and Methods for Spinal Correction Surgical Planning

ABSTRACT

A system for surgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction is provided that has a spinal imaging system and a control unit. The spinal imaging system is configured to collect at least one digitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of a subject. The control unit is configured to receive the at least one digitized position, and calculate, based on the at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. The control unit is configured to receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs, and based on the inputs and optimized posture, predict an optimal simulated postoperative surgical correction.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of the priority date fromU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/302,725, filed on Mar. 2, 2016, theentire contents of which are hereby expressly incorporated by referenceinto this disclosure as if set forth fully herein.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to spinal surgery, morespecifically to systems and methods relating to the planning,predicting, performing, and assessing of spinal deformity correction andcompensatory changes. Such devices as well as systems and methods foruse therewith are described.

BACKGROUND

The spinal column is a highly complex system of bones and connectivetissues that provide support for the body and protect the delicatespinal cord and nerves. The spinal column includes a series of vertebralbodies stack atop one another, each vertebral body including an inner orcentral portion of relatively weak cancellous bone and an outer portionof relatively strong cortical bone. Situated between each vertebral bodyis an intervertebral disc that cushions and dampens compressive forcesexerted upon the spinal column. A vertebral canal containing the spinalcord is located behind the vertebral bodies. The spine has a naturalcurvature (i.e., lordosis in the lumbar and cervical regions andkyphosis in the thoracic region) such that the end plates of the upperand lower vertebrae are enclosed toward one another.

There are many types of spinal column disorders, including scoliosis(abnormal lateral curvature of the spine), excess kyphosis (abnormalforward curvature of the spine), excess lordosis (abnormal backwardcurvature of the spine), spondylolisthesis (forward displacement of onevertebra over another), and other disorders caused by abnormalities,disease, or trauma (such as ruptured or slipped discs, generative discdisease, fractured vertebrae, and the like).

Patients that suffer from such conditions often experience extreme anddebilitating pain, as well as diminished nerve function. Posteriorfixation for spinal fusions, decompression, deformity, and otherreconstructions are performed to treat these patients. The aim ofposterior fixation in lumbar, thoracic, and cervical procedures is tostabilize the spinal segments, correct multi-axis alignment, and aid inoptimizing the long-term health of the spinal cord and nerves.

Spinal deformity is the result of structural change to the normalalignment of the spine and is usually due to at least one unstablemotion segment. The definition and scope of spinal deformity, as well astreatment options, continues to evolve. Surgical objections for spinaldeformity correction include curvature correction, prevention of furtherdeformity, improvement or preservation of neurological function, and therestoration of sagittal and coronal balance. Sagittal plane alignmentand parameters in cases of adult spinal deformity (ASD) are becomingincreasingly recognized as correlative to health related quality of lifescore (HRQOL). In literature, there are significant correlations betweenHRQOL scores and radiographic parameters such as Sagittal Vertical Axis(SVA), Pelvic Tilt (PT) and mismatch between pelvic incidence and lumbarlordosis.

Spinal disorders, such as degenerative processes of the human spine,loss of disc height and lumbar kyphosis, result in a reduced HRQQL. Theskeleton compensates for changes in the spine caused by these disordersto maintain balance and horizontal gaze of the subject. However, suchcompensation requires effort and energy from the subject and iscorrelated to a lower HRQQL score. Current surgical planning tools donot evaluate or include compensatory changes in a subject, leading to anundercorrection of a deformity in a patient that undergoes the surgicalplan and procedure. Therefore, a need continues to exist for systems andmethods that include compensatory changes as part of surgical planning.

SUMMARY

The needs described above, as well as others, are addressed byembodiments of a system for spinal correction surgical planningdescribed in this disclosure (although it is to be understood that notall needs described above will necessarily be addressed by any oneembodiment), as the system for spinal correction surgical planning ofthe present disclosure is separable into multiple pieces and can be usedin methods, such as surgical planning methods. The systems of thepresent disclosure may be used, for example, in a method of increasingHRQQL in a subject.

In an aspect, a system for surgical planning and assessment of spinaldeformity correction in a subject is provided. The system includes aspinal imaging system capable of collecting at least one digitizedposition, such as on a corner, of one or more vertebral bodies of thesubject. In an embodiment, digitized positions are from two or morevertebral bodies. The system includes a control unit in communicationwith the spinal imaging system. The control unit is configured toreceive the at least one digitized position of the one or more vertebralbodies. The control unit is configured to calculate, based on the atleast one digitized position, an optimized posture for the subject. Thecalculation of the optimized posture of a subject may include processinga parametric study. The control unit is configured to receive one ormore simulated spinal correction inputs, such as sagittal alignment,muscle recruitment criteria, or surgical procedure, such asintervertebral fusion. The control unit is configured to predict asimulated postoperative surgical correction based on the received one ormore simulated spinal correction inputs and the received at least onedigitized position of the one or more vertebral bodies. The control unitmay be configured to determine, or suggest, a surgical plan based on thepredicted simulated postoperative surgical correction. The prediction ofsimulated postoperative surgical correction may be based on one or morevalues selected from the group consisting of: knee flexion, pelvicretroversion, center of mass migration, ankle flexion, spinalcompensation, and a combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the system, the control unit is configured tocommunicate the predicted simulated postoperative spinal correction to auser. The control unit may be configured to communicate, or output, apredicted simulated postoperative surgical correction, corresponding toa variance from the calculated optimized posture. The output value ofless than 0 may represent a predicted undercorrection, and the outputvalue of greater than 0 may represent an overcorrection. The at leastone digitized position of the one or more vertebral bodies may beobtained from X-ray data, computed tomography imaging data, magneticresonance imaging data, or biplanar X-ray data from the subject. Thesedata may be taken from a patient who is in a lateral standing position.

In an embodiment of the system, the at least one digitized position isprocessed by the control unit to generate a musculoskeletal model of thesubject. The processing of the at least one digitized position mayinclude inverse-inverse dynamics modeling. The musculoskeletal model mayinclude spinopelvic parameters, ligament parameters, joint kinematics,or any combination thereof. The spinopelvic parameters may includeparameters selected from the group consisting of: pelvic tilt, sacralslope, pelvic incidence, sagittal vertical axis, lumbar lordosis,thoracic kyphosis, T1 pelvic angle, and combinations thereof. Themusculoskeletal model may include muscle force data or muscle activationdata. The control unit may be configured to compare the generatedmusculoskeletal model with predetermined musculoskeletal model datalevels. Data from the generated musculoskeletal model, such as muscleforce data or muscle activation data, may be communicated to a user.

In some embodiments of the system, the control unit is configured togenerate a sagittal curvature profile based on the received at least onedigitized position of the one or more vertebral bodies. The control unitmay be configured to modify the musculoskeletal model data to match thesagittal curvature profile. The musculoskeletal model data may bemodified by scaling, adjusting positioning of the one or more vertebralbodies, morphing a simulated subject anatomy, or combinations thereof.

In an embodiment of the system, the simulated postoperative surgicalcorrection includes hip compensation, knee joint compensation, or anklejoint compensation. The prediction of a simulated postoperative surgicalcorrection may also include a prediction of trunk muscle force outputand leg muscle force output. The trunk muscle force output may includean erector spinae output, multifidi output, an obliques output,semispinalis output, an abdominal muscles output, or any combinationthereof. The leg muscle force output includes a soleus output, agastrocnemius output, a hip and knee flexors output, a hip and kneeextensors output, a gluteus maximus output, a gluteus minimus output, orany combination thereof.

In some embodiments of the system, the simulated postoperative surgicalcorrection includes simulating an implant in the subject.

In another aspect, a system for surgical planning and assessment ofspinal deformity correction in a subject includes a spinal imagingsystem capable of collecting at least one digitized position of one ormore vertebral bodies of the subject. The system includes a control unitconfigured to receive the at least one digitized position of the one ormore vertebral bodies of the subject, and calculate, based on morphingand scaling the at least one digitized position onto a model, anoptimized posture for the subject.

In yet another aspect, a system for surgical planning and providing apersonalized implant for a subject includes a spinal imaging systemcapable of collecting at least one digitized position of one or morevertebral bodies of the subject. The system includes a control unit incommunication with the spinal imaging system. The control unit isconfigured to receive the at least one digitized position of the one ormore vertebral bodies of the subject to create an initialmusculoskeletal model. The control unit is configured to calculate,based on the initial musculoskeletal model, an optimized posture for thesubject. The control unit is configured to generate a simulated implantto change the initial musculoskeletal model towards the calculatedoptimized posture; and communicate dimensional data of the simulatedimplant to a user. The system may further comprise a three dimensionprinter configured to create at least part of the simulated implant.

The above presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basicunderstanding of some aspects of the claimed subject matter. Thissummary is not an extensive overview. It is not intended to identify keyor critical elements or to delineate the scope of the claimed subjectmatter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplifiedform as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presentedlater.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a spine.

FIG. 2 illustrates a spine of a subject and an X-ray image of a subject.

FIG. 3 illustrates a spine of a subject.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate various configurations of a spine.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a model of a healthy spine and a kyphoticspine, respectively.

FIG. 6 illustrates a musculoskeletal model in an embodiment of thesystem.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate bones in a pelvic region of a subject.

FIG. 8 illustrates steps of generating a musculoskeletal model of asubject according to an embodiment of the system.

FIG. 9 illustrates steps of generating an output according to oneembodiment of the system.

FIG. 10 illustrates steps of displaying results of a simulated surgicalcorrection according to an embodiment of the system.

FIG. 11 illustrates steps of displaying results of a simulated surgicalcorrection according to another embodiment of the system.

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of the system.

FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of the system.

FIG. 14A illustrates steps for transmitting simulated implant data to anadditive or subtractive manufacturing device according to an embodimentof the system.

FIG. 14B illustrates an embodiment of the system having an additive orsubtractive manufacturing device.

FIG. 15 illustrates steps of inverse-inverse dynamics processing andoptimization according to an embodiment of the system.

FIG. 16 illustrates a simulated implant according to an embodiment ofthe system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Illustrative embodiments of a system for surgical planning andassessment of spinal deformity correction are described below. In theinterest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation aredescribed in this specification. It will of course be appreciated thatin the development of any such actual embodiment, numerousimplementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve thedevelopers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related andbusiness-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation toanother. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effortmight be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routineundertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit ofthis disclosure. The system for surgical planning and assessment ofspinal deformity correction in a subject and related systems and methodsdisclosed herein boast a variety of inventive features and componentsthat warrant patent protection, both individually and in combination.

Values given here may be approximate (i.e., +1-20%, or 10%) such as toaccount for differences in surgical technique and patient-specificfactors.

In one embodiment, a system 10 for surgical planning and assessment ofspinal deformity correction in a subject 2 includes a spinal imagingsystem 10 capable, or configured, to collect at least one digitizedposition 14 of one or more vertebral bodies 4 of the subject 2, shown inFIG. 1. It will be appreciated that the present discussion may beapplicable to other structures, such as skull bodies and limb joints.The vertebral bodies 4 may be, for example, cervical, thoracic, lumbar,sacrum, or coccyx. The system 12 includes a control unit 16 containingsoftware configured to receive, or collect, the digitized position 14,as shown in, for example, FIG. 8. The at least one digitized position 14may be any number of positions that correspond to any number oflocations, respectively, on the one or more vertebral bodies 4. Forexample, there may be at least two positions, at least four positions,at least eight positions, at least sixteen positions, or any number ofpositions therebetween. The at least one digitized position 14 maycorrespond to specific locations on the one or more vertebral bodies 4.In one embodiment, the positions 14 correspond to a corner, or multiplecorners, of the vertebral bodies 4, as shown in FIG. 2. The control unit16 may also be configured to collect information of the vertebral bodies4, such as bone density, fractures, etc. The digitized positions 14 maybe extracted from the subject 2 when the subject 2 is in a standing,lateral position.

The control unit 16 may collect the digitized position 14 from any datasource of the subject 2 that depicts the vertebral bodies 4 insufficient detail, including but not limited to, an X-ray image, acomputed tomography image, a magnetic resonance imaging image, orbiplanar X-ray image of the subject 2. The control unit 16 may containimage recognition software whereby the control unit 16 digitizes dataprovided, such as an X-ray image, a computed tomography image, amagnetic resonance imaging image, or biplanar X-ray image of the subject2, and the control unit 16 may select digitized positions 14 based onoutput from the image recognition software. The image recognitionsoftware, by way of example, may process the image and identify andtransmit the positions 14, such as the corners of the one or morevertebral bodies 4. In some embodiments, this processing andidentification is automatic, while in other embodiments, a user manuallyselects or verifies the positions 14 from data provided to the controlunit 16 such that the control unit 16 receives the digitized positions14 from the user. In yet another embodiment, the digitized positions 14are received digitally from a digital imaging component, such as adigital radiography system. The digitized positions 14 may be displayedusing medical modeling system 15, such as the archiving andcommunication system (PACS), shown in FIG. 6.

In an embodiment of the system 10, the control unit 16 is configured tocalculate, or determine, based on the at least one digitized position14, an optimized posture 18 of the subject 2. As used herein, “optimizedposture” refers to the posture that would be the desired, or ideal,clinical outcome for the subject 2, as for example, determined by asurgeon seeking to perform a spinal correction surgery on the subject 2who is in need thereof. The control unit 16 may be configured tocalculate the optimized posture 18 by parametric processing. Inparametric processing, data regarding the at least one digitizedposition 14 may be compared to one or more predetermined optimizedanatomical posture models 20. The predetermined optimized anatomicalposture models 20 may not be patient-specific. The predetermined model20 selected may be, for example, the predetermined model 20 that mostclosely corresponds to the anatomical characteristics of the subject 2.By way of example, the control unit 16 may be configured to include, orstore, predetermined models 20 for subjects 2 of varying ages, genderand medical conditions (e.g., lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis), and mayselect the predetermined model 20 most suitable for the subject 2. Theat least one anatomical digitized positions 14 may be morphed, scaled,or adjusted, either manually or automatically, onto corresponding points21 on the predetermined model 20. As discussed later, the predeterminedmodel 20 may contain logic, inputs, and parameters for the predictingsteps when determining optimized posture and/or simulated correction 24.

Based on the received at least one digitized position 14 of the one ormore vertebral bodies 4, the control unit 16 is configured to predict,or determine, a simulated postoperative surgical correction 24 (i.e.,predict how a surgical correction, such as a posterior lumbar interbodyfusion or anterior lumbar interbody fusion, will affect the posture ofthe subject 2). The control unit 16 may be configured to determine, forexample, the simulated postoperative surgical correction 24 that wouldresult in, or close to, the optimized posture 18 for the subject 2.Based on the simulated postoperative surgical correction 24, the controlunit 16 may be configured to determine, and display to a surgeon, arecommended surgical plan 26 to implement the predicted simulatedpostoperative surgical correction 24. The recommended surgical plan 26may include, by way of example, information regarding surgicalprocedure, surgical approach, surgical technique, surgical instrument,and implant. The control unit 16 may communicate the predicted simulatedpostoperative spinal correction 24, and/or recommended surgical plan 26,to the user. By way of example and as shown in FIG. 9, the control unit16 may be configured to communicate, or output, the predicted simulatedpostoperative surgical correction 24, corresponding to a variance fromthe calculated optimized posture 18. The communicated predictedsimulated postoperative spinal correction 24, and/or recommendedsurgical plan 26 may be transmitted as an output 28. By way of example,the output 28 may be an image representation, a graphical display, or anumerical value.

As illustrated in FIG. 10, in embodiments having output 28 as anumerical value, the output value of less than 0 may represent apredicted undercorrection 58 as compared to the optimized posture 18 andthe output value of greater than 0 may represent an overcorrection 62 ascompared to the optimized posture 18. A value of 0 may represent adesired, or optimal, spinal correction 60 that achieves the optimizedposture 18 in the subject 2. Thus, the value of the output 28 maycorrespond to the variance of the predicted simulated postoperativesurgical correction 24 with the optimized posture 18, with a higherdegree positively correlating with higher variance. As used herein,“undercorrection” means that the predicted simulated postoperativesurgical correction 24 is not able to fully correct the medicalcondition being corrected of the subject 2, and “overcorrection” meansthat that the predicted simulated postoperative surgical correction 24overly corrects the medical condition being corrected of the subject 2.The value of the output 28 may correspond to any, or any combination, ofmeasurements such as, a value of muscle activation in a patient, a valueof kyphosis, a value of lordosis, and a value of Cobb angle.

As described in FIG. 11, if the simulated postoperative surgicalcorrection 24 results in a significant overcorrection or anundercorrection, the system 10 may display the output 28 in red, such asa red number or a red symbol. On the other hand, if the simulatedpostoperative surgical correction 24 results in an output 28 equal, orsubstantially equal, to the corresponding value in the optimized posture18, the system 10 may display an output in green, such as a green numberor a green symbol. The control unit 16 may be configured to transmit theoutputs 28. Thus, the user (i.e., surgeon) can iteratively change aninput plan or input parameters until the goal, such as optimal posture,is achieved.

By way of example, in the case of the subject 2 having Scoliosis, anX-ray image of the subject's 2 spine may be received by the control unit16. The control unit 16 may automatically process the X-ray image todetermine digitized positions 14, such as on points corresponding tocorners of vertebrae bodies 4 of the subject 2. Using the digitizedpositions 14, the control unit 16 may calculate the optimized posture 18of the subject 2. The control unit 16 may morph and scale the digitizedpositions 14 onto a predetermined model 20 to create a simulated model32 of the subject's 2 spine. The optimized posture 18 may have a spinewith a Cobb angle of between 0 and 10 degrees, 2 and 8 degrees, or 2 and6 degrees, or any combination of those values. The Scoliosis subject 2may have a spinal Cobb of greater than 10 degrees, greater than 15degrees, greater than 20 degrees, greater than 40 degrees, greater than50 degrees, or greater than 60 degrees. The control unit 16 maycommunicate the Cobb value of the optimized posture 18 to the user. Thecontrol unit 16 may be configured to receive an input surgicalcorrection 30, such as spinal fusion of specific vertebrae, to calculatethe predicted simulated postoperative spinal correction 24, and/orrecommended surgical plan 26. In some embodiments of the system 10,multiple plans 26 are recommended. If the optimized posture 18 has aCobb angle of 0, and the simulated postoperative spinal correction 24has a Cobb angle of 0, the control unit 16 would communicate to the userthat the input surgical correction 30 achieves the optimized posture 18,such as by returning a value of 0. In contrast, if the optimized posture18 has a Cobb angle of 0, and the simulated postoperative spinalcorrection 24 has a Cobb angle of −5 or +5, the control unit 16 wouldcommunicate to the user that the input surgical correction 30 results inan undercorrection of −5 or overcorrection of +5, respectively. Ofcourse, the values that represent an undercorrection and overcorrection,such as degree and positivity, may be varied. In some embodiments, thecontrol unit 16 may calculate and determine the predicted simulatedpostoperative surgical correction 24 to achieve the Cobb angle of 0 anddetermine a recommended surgical plan 26 that would result in thesubject 2 having a Cobb angle of 0. The control unit 16 may beconfigured to communicate the simulated correction 24 and/or plan 26 tothe user.

As can be appreciated, the system 10 may have numerous advantages. Forexample, the system 10 may provide the user with the optimized posture18 of the subject 2. Using the optimized posture 18, the user maydetermine the optimal surgical plan 26 to achieve the optimized postureof the subject 2. In embodiments of the system 10 where the control unit16 is configured to receive an input surgical correction 30 and output asimulated correction 24, the system 10 enables the user to remove theuncertainty, or “guesswork,” as to the clinical outcome of a surgicalcorrection. Advantageously, this feature of the system 10 would providethe user with information, such as whether the proposed surgicalcorrection would result in an undercorrection of the medical conditionbeing treated, that would allow the user to choose the surgicalcorrection that would result in an efficacious clinical outcome for thesubject 2 that avoids undercorrection or overcorrection. In embodimentswhere the system 10 predicts optimal correction 24 and/or plan 26 andcommunicates correction 24 and/or plan 26 to the user, the system 10provides the user with an efficacious surgical correction that a surgeoncan implement that avoids undercorrection or overcorrection. Indeed, thedescribed system 10 is a new technological tool for improving surgicaloutcomes in subjects 2, particularly human subjects in need of and whoreceive spinal correction surgery.

The control unit 16 is configured to process various values and factors,as well as contain various logics, to calculate optimized posture 18 andsimulated postoperative surgical correction 24. For example, the controlunit 16 may be configured to receive and process one or morecompensation values 56 selected from the group consisting of: kneeflexion, pelvic movement, ankle flexion, shoulder movement, lumbarmovement, thoracic movement, cervical movement, spinal compensation,including ribs and neck, and a combination thereof, as shown in FIG. 5B.The control unit 16 may also be configured to receive and process centerof mass migration 57. Knee flexion refers to joint angle between thebones of the limb at the knee joint. Knee flexion values may be, forexample, between minus 10 and 150 degrees. Pelvic movement may includepelvic retroversion, pelvic anteversion, and pelvic tilt. Pelvicretroversion may be, for example, less than 50 degrees, less than 30degrees, less than 25 degrees, less than 20 degrees, less than 15degrees, less than 10 degrees, less than 5 degrees, or any rangethereof. Center of mass migration 57, as shown in FIG. 3, refers to thepoint on the ground over which the mass of the subject 2 is centered,typically the center of mass migrations falls between the ankles of thesubject 2. Ankle flexion refers to a joint angle between the bones ofthe limb at the ankle joint. These values may be taken from the subject2 who is in a suitable position, such as standing, supine, and prone.Processing compensation values 56 and mass migration 57 is a technicalproblem much more difficult than that of processing a rigid skeletonwith no compensation (FIG. 5A) that is overcome by the practicing of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4A illustrates a non-degenerated spine with the spine in balance.FIG. 4B illustrates a generated spine and retroversion of the pelvis tocompensate for the degeneration. FIG. 1C depicts a generated spine andflexion of the knee to compensate for such degeneration. Beneficially,the disclosed system and methods herein can account for thesecompensations, among other things, to produce a realistic and accuratemodel for surgical planning.

As shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 16 may be configured to generate,or create, a musculoskeletal model 32 of the subject 2. The control unit16 may be configured to compare the model 32 with the predeterminedmodel 20 for the control unit's 16 calculation of the optimized posture18. The control unit 16 may receive the digitized positions 14 togenerate the musculoskeletal model 32 of the subject 2. The control unit16 may also receive inputs 22, such as spinopelvic parameters, ligamentparameters, joint kinematics, sagittal alignment measurements, spinalinstability, and muscle recruitment criteria, and intervertebral fusion.As shown in FIGS. 7A-7C, the spinopelvic parameters may includeparameters such as pelvic tilt (PT), sacral slope (SS), pelvic incidence(PI), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), lumbar lordosis, thoracic kyphosis,T1 pelvic angle, and combinations thereof. Further, the control unit 16may input or use global alignment parameters such as global sagittalaxis, three-dimensional parameters such as rotation and scoliosis, andcervical parameters. In some embodiments of the system 10, thespinopelvic parameters are used to assess, or determine, how far asubject is from a normal or optimum posture. The model 32 may alsoinclude muscle 36 force data or muscle activation data 38. The controlunit 16 may be configured to use the inputs 22 to generate themusculoskeletal model 32 of the subject 2 and optimized posture 18 ofthe subject 2, which can include any, or all, of these parameters andinputs that reflect their respective values, or age-adjusted respectivevalues, on the model 32. The control unit 16 may be configured toreceive these inputs 22 manually or automatically. The control unit 16may use these inputs 22 to compare and process in comparison tocorresponding values on a predetermined model 20 in calculatingoptimized posture 18 and simulated surgical correction 24. Models 20, 32may each have, or exclude, any parameter, logic, algorithm, input, oroutput discussed herein.

The control unit 16 may process the digitized positions 14 byinverse-inverse dynamics modeling (FIG. 15). Advantageously,inverse-inverse dynamics modeling enables the system 10 to create afluid model as opposed to a rigid model. Indeed, inverse-inversedynamics modeling solves the technical problem of simulating how fluidjoints and connectors (e.g., inputs 22) of subjects 2 affect acorrective surgery, particularly in instances where a rigid model wouldgenerate a model that would result in an undercorrection if implementedin a surgical correction. The control unit 16 may contain anatomicalmodeling software capable of, or configured to, simulate kinematics andmuscular and joint loads in the full body for typical activities of asubject 2 and for fundamental human body motions. An example of suchsoftware is ANYBODY MODELING SYSTEM™ software, available from ANYBODYTECHNOLOGY™ of Aalborg, Denmark, configured to execute theinverse-inverse dynamics modeling. Moreover, the inverse-inversedynamics model improves the functioning of control unit 16, asinverse-inverse dynamics enables control unit 16 to more accuratelysimulate the simulated surgical correction's interactions withanatomical properties of subject 2, especially properties specific tothat subject 2, such as compensation, muscle elasticity, and jointelasticity.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, the control unit 16 may be configured togenerate a sagittal curvature profile 34 based on the received digitizedpositions 14 and inputs 22. The profile 34 may be both a sagittal andcoronal. The control unit 16 may morph (i.e., modify) the model 32 tomatch the profile 34. The musculoskeletal model data may be modified byscaling, adjusting positioning of the one or more vertebral bodies 4,morphing the simulated subject anatomical model 32, or combinationsthereof.

Some, or all, of the inputs 22 may be predetermined, or manually orautomatically received. The control unit 16 may be configured to applylogic parameters 36, such as that a subject 2 maintains a center of massover the ankles; maintains a constant horizontal gaze; stands in aposture where postural muscle energy is minimized; has an arm positionmatching the patient during imaging (i.e., scaling); has no coronalplane deformity, or any combination of these logic parameters 36.

The control unit 16 may be configured to compare the calculated, orgenerated, musculoskeletal model 32 with predetermined musculoskeletalmodel data levels. Data from the calculated musculoskeletal model 32,such as muscle force data 36 or muscle activation data 38, may be usedto calculate the simulated surgical correction 24 and communicated to auser through a display 52.

The control unit 16 may receive and process compensation values 56. Insome embodiments, these values may be stored on the control unit 16. Thecontrol unit 16 may calculate compensation data 38, for example, hipcompensation, ankle joint compensation, knee joint compensation,shoulder compensation, lumbar compensation, thoracic compensation,cervical compensation, or spinal compensation, including ribs and neck,to generate the model 32. Including compensation values 56 and/orcompensation data 38 is particularly useful in some embodiments of thesystem 10, as the compensation values 56 and compensation data 38considers that joints compensate for spinal changes, such as adegenerated spine. Thus, by including the values and data 56, 38, model32 may be more accurately the subject's anatomy and compensation. Thecontrol unit 16 may also store predetermined compensation data 38 thatis associated with the predetermined model 20.

The control unit 16 may also be configured to include a prediction oftrunk muscle force 40 output and leg muscle force output 42 in theprediction of the simulated postoperative surgical correction 24. Thetrunk muscle force output may include cervical output, an erector spinaeoutput, multifidi output, an obliques output, semispinalis output, anabdominal muscles output, or any combination thereof. The leg muscleforce output includes a soleus output, a gastrocnemius output, a hip andknee flexors output, a hip and knee extensors output, a gluteus maximusoutput, a gluteus minimus output, or any combination thereof. Theseoutputs 42, 44 may be communicated to a user through the display 52.

As shown in FIG. 14A, in some embodiments of the system 10, thesimulation of the postoperative surgical correction 24 includessimulating an implant 46 (FIG. 16) in the simulated model 32 of thesubject 2. For example, a user of the system 10 may select, or designusing engineering software, a simulated implant 46 to use in conjunctionwith the simulated postoperative surgical correction 24. The controlunit 16 may be configured to receive input from the user for thelocation, orientation, type, size, and profile of the implant 46. Insome embodiments of the system 10, the control unit 16 is configured todetermine the simulated implant 46 that would achieve optimal posture 18in the simulated corrective surgery 24. The determination may includethe dimensions, location, orientation, type, size, and profile of theimplant 46.

As illustrated in FIG. 14B, the system 10 may include a threedimensional printer (i.e., an additive manufacturing device or asubtractive manufacturing device) 48 in communication with the controlunit 16. The three dimensional printer 48 may be configured to create,or partially create, the determined implant 46. Advantageously, thisfeature of the described disclosure allows for personalized surgicalimplants that are optimized for clinical benefit in the subject 2 toachieve optimized posture 18. The control unit 16 may be configured totransmit digital data 50 about the implant 46 for the printer 48 tomanufacture the implant 46. The implant 46 may be designed on designsoftware executed by the control unit 16 to achieve a desired structureand exported, for example as a .STL file, for preparation to be builtwith the three dimensional printer 48. The implant 46 may be designed tohave a profile 49 to custom fit the morphology of vertebral bodyendplates of the subject 2, which may vary from subject to subject. Theimplant manufactured from simulated implant 46 may be constructed of anynumber, including multiple, suitable biocompatible material, such astitanium, titanium-alloy or stainless steel, surgical steel, ornon-metallic compounds such as polymers.

In another aspect, a system 10 for surgical planning and assessment ofspinal deformity correction in a subject 2 includes a spinal imagingdevice capable of collecting and transmitting to a control unit 16 atleast one digitized position 14 of one or more vertebral bodies 4 of thesubject 2. The control unit 16 is may be configured to receive the atleast one digitized position 14 of the one or more vertebral bodies 4 ofthe subject 2, and calculate, based on morphing and scaling the at leastone digitized position 14 onto a predetermined model 20 to form asimulated model 32, an optimized posture 18 for the subject 2.

The control unit 16 may be configured to execute software includingoptimization algorithms that tailor the profile of the implant 46 basedupon loading conditions imparted upon the implant 46, including:compression, shear, and torsion. The control unit 16 may includeoptimization algorithms that may be executed in order to produce alow-density, material efficient implant 46. This is accomplished byapplying multiple, clinically-relevant, loading conditions to theimplant 46 in the software program and allowing a finite element solverto optimize and refine, for example, a body lattice structure 47 of theimplant 46.

The system 10 may include a display 52, such as a monitor, incommunication with the control unit 16. The display 52 may be capable ofreceiving input from the user in addition to communicating feedbackinformation to the user. By way of example (though it is not anecessity), a graphical user interface 54 (GUI) is utilized to enterdata directly from the screen display 52.

It is to be understood that any given elements of the disclosedembodiments of the invention may be embodied in a single structure, asingle step, a single substance, or the like. Similarly, a given elementof the disclosed embodiment may be embodied in multiple structures,steps, substances, or the like.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the processes,machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings ofthe present disclosure. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describesonly certain embodiments of the processes, machines, manufactures,compositions of matter, and other teachings disclosed, but as mentionedabove, it is to be understood that the teachings of the presentdisclosure are capable of use in various other combinations,modifications, and environments and are capable of changes ormodifications within the scope of the teachings as expressed herein,commensurate with the skill and/or knowledge of a person having ordinaryskill in the relevant art. The embodiments described hereinabove arefurther intended to explain certain best modes known of practicing theprocesses, machines, manufactures, compositions of matter, and otherteachings of the present disclosure and to enable others skilled in theart to utilize the teachings of the present disclosure in such, orother, embodiments and with the various modifications required by theparticular applications or uses. Accordingly, the processes, machines,manufactures, compositions of matter, and other teachings of the presentdisclosure are not intended to limit the exact embodiments and examplesdisclosed herein. Any section headings herein are provided only forconsistency with the suggestions of 37 C.F.R. §1.77 or otherwise toprovide organizational queues. These headings shall not limit orcharacterize the invention(s) set forth herein.

The following is claimed:
 1. A system for surgical planning andassessment of spinal deformity correction in a subject, the systemcomprising: a spinal imaging system capable of collecting at least onedigitized position of one or more vertebral bodies of the subject; acontrol unit in communication with the spinal imaging system, saidcontrol unit being configured to: (a) receive the at least one digitizedposition of the one or more vertebral bodies; (b) calculate, based onthe at least one digitized position, an optimized posture for thesubject; (c) receive one or more simulated spinal correction inputs; and(d) predict a simulated postoperative surgical correction based on thereceived one or more simulated spinal correction inputs and the receivedat least one digitized position of the one or more vertebral bodies. 2.The system of claim 1, wherein the digitized position is on at least oneof the corners of the one or more vertebral bodies.
 3. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the one or more vertebral bodies includes two or morevertebral bodies.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit isconfigured to (e) communicate the predicted simulated postoperativespinal correction to a user.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the atleast one digitized position of the one or more vertebral bodies areobtained from X-ray data, computed tomography data, magnetic resonanceimaging data, or biplanar X-ray data from the subject.
 6. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one digitized position is processed togenerate a musculoskeletal model of the subject.
 7. The system of claim6, wherein the musculoskeletal model processing comprisesinverse-inverse dynamics modeling.
 8. The system of claim 6, wherein themusculoskeletal model includes spinopelvic parameters, ligamentparameters, joint kinematics, or any combination thereof.
 9. The systemof claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to (e) compare thegenerated musculoskeletal model with predetermined musculoskeletal modeldata levels.
 10. The system of claim 6, wherein the control unit isconfigured to (e) generate a sagittal curvature profile based on thereceived at least one digitized position of the one or more vertebralbodies.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the control unit isconfigured to (f) modify the musculoskeletal model to match the sagittalcurvature profile.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the modifying ofthe musculoskeletal model comprises scaling, adjusting positioning ofthe one or more vertebral bodies, morphing a simulated subject anatomy,or combinations thereof.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein theprediction of the simulated postoperative surgical correction comprisesa prediction of simulated anterior lumbar interbody fusion surgery. 14.The system of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to (e)determine a surgical plan based on the predicted simulated postoperativesurgical correction.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein the predictionof simulated postoperative surgical correction is based on one or morevalues selected from the group consisting of: knee flexion, ankleflexion, pelvic retroversion, center of mass migration, spinalcompensation, and a combination thereof.
 16. The system of claim 1,wherein the one or more simulated spinal correction inputs includessagittal alignment, muscle recruitment criteria, or a surgicalprocedure.
 17. The system of claim 1, wherein the simulatedpostoperative surgical correction includes hip compensation, knee jointcompensation, or ankle joint compensation.
 18. The system of claim 1,wherein the control unit is configured to (e) output a value, based onthe predicted simulated postoperative surgical correction, correspondingto a variance from the calculated optimized posture.
 19. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the simulated postoperative surgical correctioncomprises simulating an implant in the subject.
 20. A system forsurgical planning and assessment of spinal deformity correction in asubject, the system comprising: a spinal imaging system capable ofcollecting at least one digitized position of one or more vertebralbodies of the subject; and a control unit in communication with thespinal imaging system, said control unit being configured to: (a)receive the at least one digitized position of the one or more vertebralbodies of the subject; and (b) calculate, based on morphing and scalingthe at least one digitized position onto a model, an optimized posturefor the subject.